Motor vehicle chassis sensor

ABSTRACT

A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application which claims thebenefit of the filing date of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/967,225 filed on Aug. 14, 2015, entitled Motor Vehicle ChassisSensor, the disclosure of which is explicitly incorporated herein byreference as are all references cited therein, which claims the benefitof the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/684,454 filed on Aug. 17, 2012 which is explicitly incorporatedherein by reference as are all references cited therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a sensor for motor vehicle applications andparticularly to a sensor assembly adapted for sensing the ride height ofa vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern motor vehicles employ numerous types of sensors and sensorassemblies throughout the vehicle which are used in control systems forpowertrain, chassis, interior cabin environment, and safety, among manyother applications. One type of sensor is used for detecting the rideheight position of the vehicle. This is a measure of the position ofsprung chassis or body components relative to unsprung chassiscomponents such as axles, steering knuckles, and axle hubs (alsoreferred to as jounce motion).

Such sensors are used in a variety of applications. For example, somevehicles have headlights systems which adapt to various loadingconditions to maintain their desired aiming point over a variety ofvehicle loads. In such applications, a ride height sensor indicating theposition of a front and rear wheel component is processed to set theaiming point. Another application is for actively controlled suspensioncomponents such as shock absorbers and springs which are dynamicallyadjusted based on wheel motion inputs. Adjustments of spring preloadingfor rear axles is also accomplished using data from a ride height sensorused to inflate air bladders or other suspension components to adapt todifferent loading conditions.

Many designs of ride height sensors are presently known. The devicescurrently available operate generally satisfactorily. However, there arecertain failure modes and performance requirements challenges withcurrent designs. Since these devices are located in the undercarriagearea of a motor vehicle, they are exposed to a very hostile environmentof moisture, salt, dirt, physical damage, and extreme temperaturechanges.

One goal is to reduce the leakage paths present in the sensor assemblywhich can allow moisture to enter sensitive electronic elements of thesensor. Many current designs of such sensors have at least two leakagepaths. One of these paths is related to a cover or potting materialplaced over installed electronic components. This leakage path is proneto failure and sealing it imposes cost penalties. Irrespective of thedesign of the sensor assembly, there is a continuing desire byautomotive manufacturers to reduce the mass and cost of all automotivecomponents, including chassis sensors.

Another goal is to reduce the complexity of and improve the componentsof the sensor assembly including, for example, the sensor cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sensor assembly for measuringrotary motion that comprises a first housing forming a blind cartridgeslot terminating at an opening located between the blind cartridge slotand an electrical connector socket unitary with the first housing, thefirst housing further including a wall having mounting provisions foraffixing the sensor assembly to supporting structure; a second housingaffixed to the first housing; a shaft positioned to rotate relative tothe first and second housings and being axially trapped in positionbetween the first and second housings, the shaft retaining a permanentmagnet; an arm coupled to and rotatable with the shaft; and a sensorcartridge assembly having a magnetic sensitive element carried by aterminal header inserted into the blind cartridge slot in the firsthousing through the connector socket and through the opening between theconnector socket and the blind cartridge slot, the terminal headerincluding a wall that covers the opening between the blind cartridgeslot and the connector socket.

In one embodiment, the arm is adapted for connection to the chassis of avehicle for measuring the ride height of a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the magnetic sensitive element is a Hall effectelement or a magneto resistive element.

In one embodiment, the first housing includes at least a first post thatextends through at least a first aperture defined in the sensorcartridge assembly and is staked to the sensor cartridge assembly forsecuring the sensor cartridge assembly in the blind cartridge slot inthe first housing.

In one embodiment, the sensor cartridge assembly includes a terminalheader having a first plate with at least a first post and a boardhaving the magnetic sensitive element and defining at least a firstaperture, the first post on the terminal header extending through thefirst aperture in the board for securing the board to the first plate ofthe terminal header.

In one embodiment, the sensor cartridge assembly includes a terminalheader with a plate defining a cradle for the magnetic sensitiveelement, and a cover overlying the plate and the magnetic sensitiveelement.

The present invention is also directed to a vehicle chassis sensorassembly comprising a first housing member defining a sensor cartridgeslot; a connector housing coupled to the first housing member anddefining a connector socket, the sensor cartridge slot and the connectorsocket being in communication via an opening between the sensorcartridge slot and the connector socket; a shaft rotatable relative tothe first housing member and including a magnet for generating amagnetic field; a sleeve that guides the rotary movement of the shaftand prevents the axial movement of the shaft; a rotatable arm member,the shaft being coupled to the arm member and rotatable in response tothe rotation of the arm member; and a sensor cartridge including asensor and mounted in the first housing member through the connectorsocket and the opening between the sensor cartridge slot and theconnector socket, the sensor being adapted to sense a change in themagnetic field generated by the magnet in response to the rotation ofthe shaft.

In one embodiment, the sensor cartridge includes a plate that covers theopening between the sensor cartridge slot and the connector socket.

In one embodiment, the sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and aboard coupled to the terminal header, the sensor being mounted on theboard.

In one embodiment, the terminal header includes a plurality of postsextending through respective apertures defined in the board for securingthe board to the terminal header.

In one embodiment, the first housing member includes at least a firstpost extending through at least a first aperture defined in the sensorcartridge for securing the sensor cartridge in the first housing member.

The present invention is further directed to a sensor cartridge for asensor assembly comprising a terminal header including a first platewith terminals; and a board including a sensor, the board being mountedto the first plate of the terminal header and defining apertures thatreceive the terminals in the terminal header.

In one embodiment, the terminal header includes a second plate thatcovers an opening in the sensor assembly, the terminals extendingthrough the second plate.

In one embodiment, the first plate includes at least a first postadapted to extend through at least a first aperture in the board forsecuring the board to the terminal header.

In one embodiment, the sensor assembly includes at least a first postadapted to extend through at least a first aperture in the terminalheader for securing the sensor cartridge to the sensor assembly.

Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionrelates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment andthe appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle chassis sensor assemblyin accordance with the present invention for measuring ride heightposition with vehicle chassis mounting and linkage components coupledthereto;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the vehicle chassissensor assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicle chassis sensorassembly shown in FIG. 2 with an electrical connector coupled thereto;

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a sensorcartridge of the vehicle chassis sensor assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the terminal header of the sensorcartridge shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of asensor cartridge of the vehicle chassis sensor assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle chassis sensor assembly withthe sensor cartridge exploded therefrom; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector housing socket of thevehicle chassis sensor assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a rotary position sensor assembly of the type inaccordance with the present invention which, in the embodiment shown, isin the form of a motor vehicle chassis sensor assembly 18 for measuringand determining the ride height position of a vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1, sensor assembly 18 is fixed to a metal chassisbracket 12 which is coupled to a motor vehicle frame or body component(not shown) which is sprung by the vehicle suspension system (notshown). Linkage 14 couples a rotary arm member 24 of the sensor assembly18 to an unsprung component of the vehicle's chassis such as, forexample, a rear axle, a steering knuckle, a hub component, or such othercomponent which moves with the road engaging wheels and tires (which areunsprung chassis components). Relative motion (jounce) between thesprung and unsprung components of the vehicle chassis cause the rotarymotion of the rotary arm member 24. This rotary motion is sensed by asensor element and is converted into electrical signals used for variouscontrol functions, some of which are generally described previously.

Sensor assembly 18 in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 2 which shows the primary components, members, andelements of the sensor assembly 18 including the following members orcomponents which can all be made of a suitable plastic material: astationary lower housing or first housing member 20 that houses a sensorcartridge assembly 138 in the interior of a cartridge slot 36, an upperhousing or second housing member or sleeve 22 that guides and retains arotatable shaft 46, a rotary arm or rotatable arm member 24 that iscoupled to the shaft 46 that rotates the shaft 46 in response to therotation of the arm member 24, and an electrical terminal connectorhousing 26 that is unitary with the first housing member 20 and isadapted to receive an electrical connector 300 (FIG. 3).

Housing member 20 which, in the embodiment shown, is generally in theform of a ring or cylinder, includes an outer wall 21 that incorporatesexterior mounting and location features including an exterior fastenerboss or bracket 28 defining an interior threaded fastener aperture 30,and a pair of exterior locating bosses or ears 34 that are located in adiametrically opposed relationship to the bracket 28. Fastener bracket28 along with locating bosses 34 are received by respective matingsurfaces and apertures (not shown) formed by the chassis bracket 12(FIG. 1) to provide a secure and accurate mounting and location of thesensor assembly 18 to the chassis bracket 12.

FIG. 3 provides additional details of each of the individual componentsor members or elements of the sensor assembly 18.

As shown, the housing member 20 forms and defines an interior sensorcartridge slot or cavity 36 that receives and houses a sensor cartridgeassembly 138 as described in more detail below. The cartridge slot 36 isdefined and bounded by the combination of the interior surface of a basehorizontal wall 39 of the housing member 20; the interior surface of atop horizontal wall 41 of the housing member 20 that is locatedopposite, spaced from, and parallel to, the base wall 39; and theinterior surface of the vertical wall 21 of the housing member 20extending between and unitary with the ends of, and in a relationshipgenerally normal to, the base wall 39 and the top wall 41.

The cartridge slot 36 is in communication with the interior of theconnector socket 40 of the connector housing 26 via an opening 43defined by the housing member 20 and located between the cartridge slot36 and the interior of the connector socket 40. In the embodiment shown,the connector housing 26 is unitary with, and protrudes outwardly from,the exterior surface of the wall 21 of the housing member 20. Electricalconnector socket 40 is adapted to receive an electrical connector 300which includes elements of known configuration. Open connector socket 40also is provided with connector locking features including a tang 42 forproviding positive locking of the electrical connector 300 at itsinstalled position to the connector housing 26 and inside the connectorsocket 40.

It is important regarding the elimination of leakage paths intocartridge slot 36 that there is only a single opening 43 between theinterior of the slot 36 and the outside environment; namely, through oraround electrical connector socket 40. In other words, the cartridgeslot 36 is a “blind” slot (i.e. it does not pass through the housingmember 20). Except for a leakage path present by the connection betweensocket 40 and the connector 300, the housing cartridge slot 36 is asealed cavity.

An annular upstanding interior and circumferentially extending wall oropen sleeve 44 extends unitarily upwardly and outwardly from theexterior surface of the wall 41 of the housing member 20 and is adaptedto receive and retain the distal end of the tubular shaft 46 and thus arotational bearing is provided between the housing member 20 and thetubular shaft 46.

The shaft 46 is in the form of an elongate open tube that includes asolid base 47 having a magnet 60 molded into the plastic material of thebase 47 and a cylindrical wall 49 that extends and protrudes upwardlyand outwardly from the top of the base 47 and defines an open tubularinterior or sleeve 51. The diameter of the base 47 of the shaft 46 isgreater than the diameter of the sleeve 51 and defines a shoulder 47 abetween the base 47 and the sleeve 51.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 46 is located in the sensor assembly 18 ina relationship wherein the base 47 thereof is located and extends intothe interior open slot or recess 44 a that is defined by the open wallor post or sleeve 44 of the housing member 20 and is seated and abuttedagainst the exterior surface of the top wall 41 of the housing member20. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the shaft 46 extends in arelationship and orientation generally normal to the housing member 20and the connector housing 26 and is rotatable relative to the housingmember 20.

Shaft 46 is an annular bobbin or mandrel shaped member which providesfor mounting and rotary movement of the magnet 60. As will be explainedin more detail in the following description, rotary motion of shaft 46relative to the cartridge assembly 36, and more specifically relative tothe hall effect sensor 188 thereon, causes a change in the magneticfield lines sensed by the hall effect sensor 188 which generates anangle signal (i.e., a signal proportional to angle).

The housing member 22, when assembled to the housing member 20, definesboth a sleeve for the shaft 46 that retains and guides the rotarymovement of the shaft 46 relative to the housing member 20 and also astop that prevents the axial movement of the shaft 46 in the sensorassembly 18 via the engagement of the housing member 22 with theshoulder 47 a on the shaft 46.

The housing member 22 includes an outer wall 51 that includes a lowerinterior shoulder 57. A generally cylindrically shaped interior opensleeve or wall 59 extends unitarily upwardly and outwardly from the topof the base wall 51. The wall or sleeve 59 in turn includes an interiorflange 59 a that protrudes outwardly from, and in a relationship spacedfrom and parallel to, the interior surface of the wall 51.

Housing member 22, and more specifically the exterior surface of thewall 51 thereof, forms a fastener boss or bracket 50 that defines aninteriorly threaded fastener aperture 52 which, when in the assembledcondition with housing member 20, is in alignment with the fastenerbracket 28 and the fastener aperture 30 respectively of the housingmember 20. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, housingmember 22 is positioned over and joined and coupled to the housingmember 20 in an initial rotational index position in which therespective fastener brackets 28 and 50 are not aligned. Then, thehousing members 20 and 22 are indexed rotationally into a position wherethe respective fastener apertures 30 and 52 defined in the respectivefastener brackets 28 and 50 are aligned and a screw or fastener 65 isscrewed into the respective fastener apertures 30 and 52 to lock thehousing members 20 and 22 together. This is accomplished by an undercutgroove (not shown) that is formed in the wall 21 of the housing member20 and a radially extending tang 56 that is formed at the lower distalend of the sleeve 59 of the in the wall 21 of the housing member 20.

Housing member or sleeve 22 is seated on and abutted against and joinedto the housing member 20 in a relationship wherein: the wall 51 thereof,and more specifically the shoulder 57 on the wall 51, is seated andabutted against the top of the wall 41 of the housing member 20; theinterior surface of the sleeve 59 of the housing member 22 surrounds andis abutted against the exterior surface of the interior sleeve 44 of thehousing member 20; the flange 59 a of the housing member 22 surrounds,is abutted against and provides a guide for the shaft 46 (i.e., theshaft 46 extends through the sleeve 59 of the housing member 22); andthe distal end of the interior flange 59 a of the sleeve 59 of thehousing member 22 is seated and abutted against the top surface of theshoulder 48 on the base 47 of the shaft 46 to trap the base 47 of theshaft 46 between the respective housing members 20 and 22 and thusprevent the axial movement of the shaft 46 in the sensor assembly 18relative to the housing members 20 and 22.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the housing members 20 and 22 arestationary members; the housing member 20 defines a sleeve 44 adapted toreceive the end or base 47 of the rotatable shaft 46; and the housingmember 22 defines an elongate retention and guide sleeve 59 for therotatable shaft 46.

To provide some degree of contamination sealing, a ring-shaped lip seal62 is seated on a top surface or ledge of the interior flange 59 a ofthe sleeve 59 of the housing member 22 and is wedged between theinterior surface of the sleeve 59 of the housing member 22 and theexterior surface of the sleeve 49 of the shaft 46.

An O-ring 58 is installed in the sensor assembly 18 between the housingmembers 20 and 22 and, more specifically, in a space or gap definedbetween an interior surface of the wall 51 of the housing member 22 andthe exterior surface of the sleeve 44 of the housing member 20.

O-ring 58 and lip seal 62 are provided for contamination sealing for therotary bearing provided between the wall 44 and the shaft 46; they donot take part in sealing for the sensitive electronic components ofsensor cartridge assembly 38 that are protected from contamination inthe cartridge slot 36 defined in housing member 20.

The rotatable arm member 24 is positioned over the shaft 46 and thehousing member 22 and includes an annular sidewall 64 which encloses atorsion spring 66.

The annular ring-shaped and circumferentially extending side wall 64together with a top wall 69 define a cap 71 that is located andsurrounds the sleeve 59 of the housing member 22 in a relationshipwherein: the side wall 64 of the cap 71 is spaced from and surrounds thesleeve 59 of the housing member 22; the interior surface of the top wall69 of the cap 71 is located opposite and spaced from the distal end ofthe sleeve 59 of the housing member 22; the helical spring 66 surroundsthe sleeve 59 of the housing member 22 and is located between the sleeve59 of the housing member 22 and the wall 64 of the cap 71 of the armmember 24; and the shaft 46 extends through a central through-hole oraperture 91 defined in the center of the top wall 69 of the cap 71.

An elongate arm 24 a extends outwardly from the exterior surface of theside wall or collar 64 of the cap 71.

Torsion helical spring 66 may be employed in certain applications of thesensor assembly 18 to rotationally bias the arm member 24 toward one endof its extreme range of rotary motion. This may be desirable forpreloading the linkage 14 and also for providing a failure indicationshould linkage 14 or another component fail. By causing arm member 24and arm 24 a to rotate to an extreme position, the resulting signal (orlack of signal) can be interpreted as a failure indication for thesensor. Torsion spring 66 includes a pair of upstanding ends (not shown)for coupling the torsion spring 66 to both the arm member 24 and one ofthe housing members 20 or 22, for providing the rotational biasingmentioned above.

For example, in the embodiment of the sensor assembly 18 shown in FIG.3, the arm member 24 defines a plurality of apertures (not shown)defined in respective bosses 68 that are defined in the interior surfaceof the top wall 69 of the cap 71 of the arm member 24 and are adapted toreceive the one of the ends (not shown) of torsion spring 66. Aplurality of such spaced-apart apertures are provided in the cap 71 sothat the preload and indexed desired position of the rotary arm member24 may be achieved, i.e., the one of the ends of the torsion spring 66is inserted into whichever one of the apertures will provide therequisite preselected preload and index position of the arm member 24. Aroll pin 70 is installed through respective additional bores (not shown)defined in the wall 69 of the cap 71 and the sleeve 49 of the shaft 46,respectively for assembling and coupling these components together and,more specifically, for coupling the shaft 46 and the arm member 24 forrotation together.

Significant structural loads are placed on the rotary arm member 24exerted at a distal ball end 74 of the arm 24 a, opposed to the end ofthe arm member 24 unitary with the cap 71, particularly applied bydynamic motion. In one embodiment, ball end 74 may be formed of metaland is insert-molded into the distal end of the arm 24 a. In anotherapproach, ball end 74 may be formed integrally with the distal end ofthe arm 24 a. For the latter configuration, the strength of ball end 74can be increased by forming a blind bore 76 into the ball end as shownin FIG. 2, and thereafter inserting a metal pin (or a roll pin) 78 intothe bore 76.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate two different sensor cartridge andelement arrangements 138 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) and 238 (FIG. 4C). It isadvantageous that the magnetic field sensor elements used as part ofsensor cartridge assembly 138 are capable of measuring the magneticfield exerted by magnet 60 along two orthogonal axes. This is desirablesince this enables the sensor to not only measure the magnitude of thefield passing through the electrical sensor element, but also thedirection of the magnetic field vector. This is advantageous since thestrength of the magnetic field exerted by magnet 60 can be affected bythe properties of the magnet itself which change over time, as well asthe characteristics of the material separating the magnet from theelectrical sensor elements, and the calibration and electricalcharacteristics of the sensor element. By examining components of themagnetic field vector in two axes, these effects can be practicallyeliminated.

The embodiment of cartridge assembly 138 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B uses atwo axis magnetic sensitive element in the form of a Hall effect sensorelement 188 (which may be an integrated package of two or more elements)which is mounted to a PC (printed circuit) board 190 and assembled to aterminal header 182.

The terminal header 182 includes a generally rectangularly shaped flatbase plate 183 and a flat end cover plate or head or wall 184 extendingin a relationship generally normal to the base plate 183.

The base plate 183 defines a longitudinal axis and includes a pair ofopposed side walls or surfaces 185 a and 185 b extending on oppositesides of, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the base plate 183and a pair of end walls or surfaces 185 c and 185 d extending in adirection normal to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 183. Thecover end plate or head 184 extends along the edge of the end wall 185 din a relationship normal to and intersecting the longitudinal axis ofthe base plate 183.

The base plate 183 also defines a plurality of openings or through-holes189 a extending between the opposed top and bottom surfaces 190 a and190 b thereof and at least a first recess 189 b defined in the bottomsurface 190 b of the base plate 183.

The base plate 183 additionally includes a plurality of posts or fingers191 protruding generally normally and unitarily upwardly and outwardlyfrom the surface 190 b.

The base plate 183 still further includes a pair of diametricallyopposed upstanding posts 192 a and 192 b protruding generally normallyand unitarily outwardly from the respective edges of the opposed sidewalls 185 a and 185 b of the base plate 183 and are located adjacent andspaced from the end wall 185 c.

A plurality of metal electrical terminals 186 (three such spaced apartterminals 186 being shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B) aremolded into the plastic material of the terminal header 182 in arelationship wherein the respective first ends 186 a of the respectiveterminals 186 protrude generally normally outwardly from the exteriorsurface of the end plate 184 and extend in the same direction as thelongitudinal axis of the base plate 183 and the respective opposed ends186 b of the respective terminals 186 protrude generally normallyoutwardly from the surface 190 b of the base plate 183 of the terminalheader 182 in a relationship and direction normal to the direction andrelationship of the longitudinal axis of the terminal header 182.

The printed circuit board 190 shown in FIG. 4A is in the form of a flatplate that includes opposed top and bottom surfaces 194 a and 194 b;opposed longitudinal side walls or surfaces 195 a and 195 b; and opposedend walls or surfaces 195 c and 195 d. The board 190 defines respectivefirst and second pluralities of through apertures or holes 196 a and 196b extending between the top and bottom surfaces 194 a and 194 b. Thehall effect sensor element 188 and a plurality of other electroniccomponents 197 are seated and mounted to the surface 194 a of the board190. Two diametrically opposed corners of the board 190 definerespective cut-outs 198.

The board 190 is mounted and secured to the terminal header 182, andmore specifically is mounted and secured to the base plate 183 of theterminal header 182, in a relationship as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5wherein: the surface 194 a of the board 190 is positioned opposite andparallel to the surface 190 b of the base plate 183 of the terminalheader 182; the end wall 195 b of the board 190 is located opposite theinterior surface of the head plate 184 of the terminal header 182; therespective posts 192 a and 192 b on the terminal header 182 are wedgedin the respective cut-outs 198 in the board 190; the respective fingers191 extend through the respective apertures 196 b in the board 190; therespective ends 186 b of the respective terminals 186 extend through therespective apertures 196 a in the board 190; the sensor element 188extends into the through-hole 189 a defined in the base 183 of theterminal header 182; and the electronic elements 197 extend into therecess 189 b defined in the base 183 of the terminal header 182.

Although not shown in any of the FIGURES, it is understood that aplurality of electrical leads or wires or traces on and in the board 190interconnect the plurality of elements 188 and 197 to each other and tothe ends 186 b of the terminals 186.

To secure the board 190 to the terminal head 182, the tips of the stakefingers 191 are deformed or bent, as for example by ultrasonic weldingor heating, to cause them to thermally deform and bend into dome ormushroom shaped heads 191 a (FIGS. 3 and 5) for holding, staking, andsecuring the board 190 to the terminal head 186.

FIG. 4C shows another cartridge assembly 238 that includes a magneticsensitive element in the form of a magneto resistive (MR) sensor element280 assembled to a terminal header 282, and enclosed by a cover 28. TheMR element 280 includes a plurality of electrical terminals 280 a whichare electrically connected to the respective ends (not shown but similarto the ends 186 b of the terminals 186 of the cartridge assembly 138) ofthe respective terminals 286 that are molded into the plastic materialof the terminal header 282.

The terminal header 282 includes a generally rectangularly shaped flatbase plate 283 and a flat end cover plate or head 284 unitary with, andextending in a relationship generally normal to, the base plate 283.

The base plate 283 defines a longitudinal axis and includes a pair ofopposed side walls or surfaces 285 a and 285 b extending on oppositesides of, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the base plate 283and a pair of end walls or surfaces 285 c and 285 d extending in adirection normal to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 283. The endcover plate or head 284 protrudes upwardly from the edge of the end wall285 d in a relationship normal to and intersecting the longitudinal axisof the base plate 283.

The base plate 283 defines an interior recess or cradle 289 that isadapted to receive and seat the MR element 280.

A plurality of metal electrical terminals 286 (three such spaced apartterminals 186 being shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4C) are molded intothe plastic material of the terminal header 282 in a relationshipwherein the respective first ends 286 a of the respective terminals 286protrude generally normally outwardly from the exterior surface of theend plate 284 and extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axisof the base plate 283 and the respective opposed ends (not shown) of therespective terminals 286 protrude generally normally outwardly into therecess or cradle 289 of the base plate 283 and are electrically coupledto the ends of electrical terminals 280 a of the MR element 280 when theMR element 280 is seated in the recess or cradle 289.

The cover 281 is lowered and coupled to the base plate 283 of theterminal header 282 in a relationship overlying and covering the recessor cradle 289 and sealing the MR element 280 against contamination.

FIGS. 3 and 5 depict and illustrate the insertion and placement of thecartridge assembly 138 into the housing member 20 of the sensor assembly18 and more specifically into the cartridge slot or cavity 36 that isdefined in the interior of the housing member 20.

Initially, and as shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge assembly 138 isinserted into the interior of the housing member 20 through theconnector housing 26 and more specifically through the interior of theconnector socket 40, then through the opening 43 in the housing member20, and then into the cartridge slot or recess 36 into the relationshipas shown in FIG. 3 wherein: the end wall and a portion of the flat plate183 of the terminal header 182 is inserted into another slot 36 a and isseated and supported on a ledge 37 that is defined by the wall 21 of thehousing member 20; the surface 190 a of the base plate 183 of theterminal header 182 is abutted against the interior surface of the wall41 of the housing member 20; the hall effect sensor element 188 islocated directly opposite and spaced from and parallel to the magnet 60molded into the base 47 of the shaft 46; the end plate or head 184 ofthe terminal header 182 covers and closes the opening 43 and the lowerdistal edge of the end wall or head 184 of the terminal header 182 isabutted against a shoulder 39 a defined on the interior surface of thewall 39 of the housing member 20; and a pair of stake posts or fingers94 (FIGS. 3 and 5) defined in the interior of the housing member 20extend through respective through openings or holes 199 defined andextending between the interior and exterior surfaces of the head plate184 of the terminal header 182. The sensor cartridge assembly 238 alsoincludes similar openings or holes 299 defined in the head plate 284.

After assembly of sensor cartridge assembly 138 into position withinhousing member 20 as described above, the distal ends of the posts 94may be thermally deformed or bent in the same manner as the posts orfingers 191, as by for example an ultrasonic welding or heating process,for staking, holding, retaining, and securing the cartridge assembly 138into its installed position in the housing member 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the only potential leakage or contamination pathpresent after attachment of electrical connector 300 is through oraround the connector socket 40 and, more specifically, through andaround the peripheral edges of the terminal end plate 184 of thecartridge assembly 138 that covers the opening 43 defined between theinterior cartridge slot 36 and the interior connector socket 40. Aseparate leakage path present in prior art designs needed for enclosingthe electrical elements of the sensor is eliminated in this design.

The terminal end plate 184 of the cartridge assembly 138 seals theopening 43 against leakage or exterior contaminants by virtue of theinterference fit between the material of the housing member 20surrounding the opening 43 and the peripheral circumferential edge ofthe plate 184 and further as a result of the terminal end plate 184being held tight against the wall 39 and shoulder 39 a of the housingmember 20 via the heat staking of the cartridge assembly 138 in thehousing member 20.

Further, and as shown in FIG. 3, a suitable sealing member 302 may beused to improve the sealing of the opening 43 against leakage andexterior contaminants. In the embodiment shown, the sealing member 302in in the form of a gasket or ring made of a suitable sealing material,such as for example, an elastomeric or rubber material, that has beeninserted into position between the opening 43 and the terminal end coverplate 184 of the cartridge assembly 138 for providing an improved sealbetween the plate 184 and the housing member 20 and for sealing thecartridge slot 36 from leakage or exterior contaminants.

In the embodiment shown, the sealing member 302 is positioned in anabutting relationship with and between the material of the housingmember 20 surrounding the opening 43 and the surface of thecircumferential groove or slot 184 a defined in the peripheralcircumferential edge of the interior surface of the terminal end coverplate 184 and adapted to hold and fit the sealing member 302 forproviding an improved seal of the opening 43, and thus the interior ofthe cartridge slot 36, from leakage and exterior contaminants.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor assembly 18 defines alongitudinal axis L and the shaft 46 and sleeve 49 thereof, the wall 21of the housing member 20, the wall 64 of the cap 71 of the arm member24, the wall 59 of the housing member 20, and the brackets 28 and 50 onthe housing members 20 and 22 respectively all extend in the samedirection as, parallel to, and spaced from, the longitudinal axis L ofthe sensor assembly 18.

Also, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the housing member 20 andmore specifically the walls 39 and 41 and the cartridge slot 36 thereof,the base 47 of the shaft 46, the magnet 60 in the base 47 of the shaft46, the cartridge assembly 138 including the terminal header 182, theboard 190, and the hall sensor 188 all extend in a direction normal toand intersect the longitudinal axis L of the sensor assembly 18. The arm24 a of the arm member 24 extends in a direction normal to the directionof the longitudinal axis L of the sensor assembly 18.

While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, it will be appreciated that the invention issusceptible to modification, variation and change without departing fromthe proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

We claim:
 1. A vehicle chassis sensor assembly for measuring the rideheight of a vehicle and comprising: a first housing including a wall anddefining a longitudinal axis and an interior blind slot terminating inan opening located between the blind slot and an electrical connectorsocket with an interior in communication with the opening; a shaftadapted for rotary motion relative to the first housing and oriented ina relationship normal to the longitudinal axis of the first housing, thewall of the first housing being oriented in a relationship spaced andgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first housing andseparating the interior blind slot from the shaft; a cap surrounding theshaft and including an arm extending outwardly from the cap and orientedin a relationship spaced and generally parallel to the longitudinal axisof the first housing and coupled to and rotatable with the shaft andadapted for connection to a chassis of the vehicle; a sensor insertedinto the interior blind slot defined in the first housing through theinterior of the electrical connector socket and the opening locatedbetween the blind slot and the interior of the electrical connectorsocket.
 2. The sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the shaft retains amagnet and the sensor is a Hall effect sensor element for sensing achange in the magnetic field in response to the rotary motion of theshaft, the wall of the first housing separating the magnet and thesensor.
 3. The sensor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a sensorcartridge assembly inserted into the blind slot defined in the firsthousing through the interior of the electrical connection socket and theopening in the first housing and carrying the sensor, the sensorcartridge assembly including an end plate covering the opening of thefirst housing.
 4. The sensor assembly of claim 3 wherein the firsthousing includes at least a first post that extends through at least afirst aperture defined in the sensor cartridge assembly and is heatstaked to the sensor cartridge assembly for securing the sensorcartridge assembly in the blind slot defined in the first housing.
 5. Avehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising: a first housing memberincluding a wall and defining a longitudinal axis and a sensor cartridgeslot, the wall being spaced from and generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the first housing member; a connector housingunitary with the first housing member and defining a connector socketwith an interior, the sensor cartridge slot and the interior of theconnector socket being in communication via an opening between thesensor cartridge slot and the interior of the connector socket; a shaftrotatable relative to the first housing member, the wall of the firsthousing member separating the shaft and the sensor cartridge slot; asleeve that guides the rotary movement of the shaft and prevents theaxial movement of the shaft; a rotatable arm member spaced and generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the first housing member, the shaftbeing coupled to the arm member and rotatable in response to therotation of the arm member; and a sensor cartridge including a sensorand mounted in the first housing member through the interior of theconnector socket and the opening between the sensor cartridge slot andthe interior of the connector socket, the sensor being adapted to sensethe rotation of the shaft.
 6. The vehicle chassis sensor assembly ofclaim 5 wherein the shaft includes a magnet for generating a magneticfield, the sensor being adapted to sense a change in the magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnet in response to the rotation of the shaft.
 7. Thevehicle chassis sensor assembly of claim 5 wherein the first housingmember includes at least a first post extending through at least a firstaperture defined in the sensor cartridge for securing the sensorcartridge in the first housing member.
 8. The vehicle chassis sensorassembly of claim 5 wherein the sensor cartridge includes a terminalheader and a board coupled to the terminal header, the sensor beingmounted on the board.
 9. The vehicle chassis sensor assembly of claim 8wherein the terminal header includes a plurality of posts extendingthrough respective apertures defined in the board for securing the boardto the terminal header.